Native Wildflower: Bramble with Natalie Rowe
| Location: Hampton Court Palace | |
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Techniques: Hand Beading, Threadwork |
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Duration: 1 Day (10am-4pm) |
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Course Description
This design is inspired by the bramble, a common native plant found in hedgerows, gardens and woodlands. Its delicate flowers and striking fruits provide a food source for a variety of insects, mammals and birds throughout the year, while its thorny stems offer shelter and a protective habitat.
During this class, you will learn a range of surface embroidery stitches, including open Cretan stitch, Stem Stitch, Chain Stitch, Mountmellick Stitch, Pistil Stitch, French Knots and Back Stitch. You will also learn how to create the ripening berries using corded Brussels Needlelace, embellished with glass beads to add texture and detail.
You will explore stitches traditionally associated with Mountmellick Whitework, where brambles and blackberries are a common motif, reinterpreting these techniques in the vibrant, naturalistic colours of the plant.
Working with a selection of stranded cottons, cotton perle threads and glass beads on a vibrant pink cotton fabric, you will learn how to combine colour, stitch and texture to bring the different elements of the bramble to life.
All techniques will be covered during the class, and you will receive a detailed instruction booklet to support you in completing the design afterwards. The repetition within the design also gives you plenty of opportunity to practise and develop confidence in each technique.
What you will need to bring
All of the specialist materials and equipment required for the course will be provided for you. We recommend bringing a notebook and pen if you would like to make notes throughout the course. And if you have a favourite mug, feel free to bring it along for your refreshment breaks!
Tutor Biography
Natalie Rowe
Natalie is an artist, embroiderer and tutor. She graduated from Camberwell College of Arts with a first-class honours degree in Illustration before undertaking further training at the Royal School of Needlework (RSN). She graduated from the RSN’s Future Tutor Programme with Distinction in 2022, receiving the RSN Broderers’ Award for Top Student and becoming a qualified RSN Tutor. Natalie has taught a number of day classes for the RSN and also teaches on the RSN’s Certificate & Diploma programme. She has also developed a series of embroidery kits for the RSN Shop. In 2023, Natalie was part of the RSN Embroidery Studio team that worked on the Anointing Screen for the Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Interested in exploring and reinventing traditional techniques and motifs through her own contemporary designs, Natalie draws inspiration from the natural world and art history. She has exhibited her work at the Sunbury Embroidery Gallery and was selected to appear at the Broderers’ Exhibition in 2022 and 2025. In September 2026, Natalie joined the RSN’s in-house team and now regularly teaches across the RSN’s Short Courses programme.
Important Venue Information
Please note this is an in-person class at Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9AU.
On Arrival
Access to Hampton Court Palace is security controlled. Access to the Palace grounds is only available via the main Palace gate (Trophy Gate) - this is the large gate closest to Hampton Court Bridge. Access is currently not available via other gates. On arrival, walk down the drive to the Palace itself and then around the left-hand (north) side of the building until you see the vehicle security barrier and the entrance to the Security Office.
There will be a member of staff to meet you outside the Security Office at 9.45am to escort you to the classroom. You will be issued a visitor pass - please make sure that you wear this and that it is visible at all times.
Accessibility
Hampton Court Palace dates back to the 14th Century. The main RSN classrooms are on the 3rd floor which can be accessed by the Chocolate Court Stairs in Fountain Court, whilst the other classroom has an additional six steps in order to access it. The palace is very old and the walk to our classrooms may have uneven surfaces, for example cobbles, worn steps, uneven steps and slopes. Please choose footwear that is comfortable and appropriate for the conditions. Some surfaces may be slippery, particularly if they are wet from rain. There is a lift available for acces from Fountain Court to the RSN apartments but access is prioritised for those with mobility issues.
Breaks and Lunchtime
Refreshments will be provided in the morning. You may take your lunch break in our break room or within the Palace gardens. Please bring a packed lunch and drink with you as there are only two sets of Palace facilities and there are likely to be lengthy queues at lunchtime. Please remember to wear your pass at all times.
Access to toilets
There two upstairs toilets will be available, Additional toilet facilities are available in Fountain Court.
Staff
The RSN Education Team are not onsite at the weekend so please do not expect to see any on your visit, if you need to speak with or contact a member of the team please email education@royal-needlework.co.uk in the first instance.
Materials
Your kit will be ready for you in the classroom. Any additional equipment will be available to purchase or borrow from the RSN on the day. It is useful to bring a notepad and pen, a thimble if you use one and a pair of sharp, favoured embroidery scissors.
RSN Shop
The shop is located on the ground floor next to the East Front Gate and will be open between 11am-4pm. We do have a 'click and collect' pickup service option if you wish to order anything from the shop in advance and pick it up when you attend for your class. This option is available at the Online Shop checkout. Please note that five working days notice must be given to use the shop pickup service.
Photography
You may take photographs of your own work in progress, or of other students’ work with their permission. Photography of work on the walls or any RSN collection pieces is not permitted in any area of the RSN. From time to time we may wish to take photographs of your class and work in progress for publicity material to be used on-line and in print. If you would prefer not to be included in these photographs please let us know.
Checklist BEFORE you Leave Home
[ ] HCP Pass – if you have one
[ ] Embroidery Scissors
[ ] Pen and paper
[ ] Drink and packed lunch
Native Wildflower: Bramble with Natalie Rowe
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